Creative Glass: Fusing and Slumping: All Abilities

Fee information. Click here for eligibility details (opens in a new window).

£171.00 Half fee of £103.50 available. Course symbols: CL

Course description

Learn how to fuse and slump glass to make beautiful and unique pieces of art. A wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques will be explored. Suitable for all levels from complete beginners to more advanced students. Course fee includes basic fusing materials. Students will need to purchase more fusing glass as they progress with their projects.

Entry requirements

No prior knowledge required.

What you will learn

How you will learn on this course

The tutor will use a range of teaching methods during the course which will include the following: Demonstration – both group and individual, one-to-one tuition, group work, assessment of progress, observation, discussion / question and answer sessions.

How you will be assessed on this course

1. Cut glass (straight lines or curves) using a glass cutter. 2. Use running pliers to break the score line when cutting glass. 3. State the importance of using compatible glass for fusing. 4. Identify glass samples that have been tack fused and full fused. 5. Identify frits, stringers and noodles on a fused glass sample. 6. Make a fused glass sample.

Qualification and exam information (only for courses leading to a qualification)

Not applicable.

What you will be expected to do outside your lesson time

No extra homework is expected. Learners may take their work home if they wish and continue working at home. Learners will be encouraged to read relevant literature.

What you need for your course

Basic tools and materials for glass cutting, fusing and slumping are provided by the college. A small charge is included in the course fee for basic glass fusing materials and the use of specialist equipment. At the start of the course all learners will be given some Spectrum 96 sheet glass to get them started. Learners will need to purchase more glass as the course progresses, depending on the size/ number of projects completed. Spectrum 96 compatible fusing accessories, such as frits, stringers, noodles and confetti will also be supplied by the college, along with metal inclusions, mica powder, fusing glue, Papyros kiln liner and ceramic fibre paper. If learners choose to make larger projects they may need to purchase their own fusing accessories and Papyros kiln liner to make sure there is still enough for everyone to use. Please note that we only provide Spectrum 96 fusing glass and accessories and our firing schedules are designed to be used with Spectrum 96 glass. You may bring in your own glass, such as Bullseye fusing glass but it will not be compatible with the sheet glass and glass accessories we provide, and the firing schedules will not be optimized for your glass – although we will make every effort to accommodate you and make sure you still achieve the results you want. Please do not purchase anything before your first lesson unless requested to do so. No liability can be accepted for expenses incurred for a course cancelled/altered at short notice.

What you need to bring to the first class

You can bring a sketchbook with any ideas for designs you may have, and any images you have found for inspiration (Pinterest is a great website for finding images and useful tutorials). Please also bring a fine-tipped permanent marker pen for marking glass. Wear sensible footwear to the class, no opened toed shoes or sandals. You may also wish to bring an apron to protect your clothing. Improvers may bring on-going projects if they wish and continue working on these.

What you can do next

Your tutor can give advice about other glass courses on offer. The Learning Centre Bexley runs a variety of glass courses and you may also wish to branch out and try some related courses such as enameling and pottery.

Additional information

At the beginning of the course, you will have an induction to the College and the course. Your tutor will ask you to complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and agree your personal learning goals. All documents are a requirement of the Funding Agency. All students on courses funded by the ESFA must complete a Learning Agreement and ILP.